Shoulder Orthopaedic Test: Gerbers Test

Gerber's test, also known as the Lift-Off Test (LOT), is a simple and quick way to assess the integrity of the rotator cuff tendons. The test involves passively lifting the arm of the patient, thereby taking the tension off the rotator cuff tendons.

Here's a step-by-step procedure to perform Gerber's test:

1. Ask the patient to sit or stand with their arms relaxed at their sides.
2. Stand behind the patient and position yourself to the side of the arm that you want to test.
3. Reach over the top of the patient's shoulder and grasp their wrist with one hand, and the elbow with the other hand.
4. Lift the patient's arm forward and up to shoulder height, with the palm facing down and the elbow bent to 90 degrees.
5. Once the arm is at shoulder height, instruct the patient to maintain this position.
6. Remove your hand from the patient's elbow and gently press down on the back of their hand to take the tension off the rotator cuff tendons.
7. Maintain this position for 10-15 seconds.
8. Slowly release the pressure on the patient's hand and observe for any dropping or loss of control of the arm.
9. Repeat the test on the other arm.

A normal result of Gerber's test is the ability of the patient to maintain their arm in the lifted position without any dropping or loss of control, while the examiner takes the tension off the rotator cuff tendons. A positive result is indicated by the inability of the patient to maintain their arm in the lifted position or experiencing pain or discomfort during the test.

References:

1. Gerber, C., Krushell, R. J. (1991). Isolated rupture of the tendon of the subscapularis muscle. Clinical features in 16 cases. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume, 73(3), 389-394.
2. Park, H. B., Yokota, A., Gill, H. S., El Rassi, G., McFarland, E. G. (2005). Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for the different degrees of subacromial impingement syndrome. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery American Volume, 87(7), 1446-1455.
3. Brukner, P., & Khan, K. (2017). Clinical sports medicine. McGraw-Hill Education.